BAFTA winner James McAvoy to star in Sky Original series Meantime, based on the novel by Frankie Boyle

Wednesday 18 March 2026

BAFTA winner James McAvoy to star in Sky Original series Meantime, based on the novel by Frankie Boyle

A distinctly comic crime thriller written by Frankie Boyle and Neil Webster, based on Boyle's debut novel, directed by Jon S. Baird.

Jamie Michie, Benedict Wong, Christopher Eccleston, Mark Bonnar, Shauna MacDonald, Shirley Henderson and Josette Simon lead the stellar supporting cast.

Sky today announced Meantime, a distinctly comic Sky Original crime thriller starring BAFTA winner James McAvoy, written by Frankie Boyle and Neil Webster and based on Boyle's Sunday Times bestselling debut novel of the same name. The six-part series is directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jon S. Baird and produced by Happy Tramp North and Expectation (Alma's Not Normal, Malice) in association with Sky Studios.

Meantime follows Felix McAveety (James McAvoy), a full-time addict whose best friend is found murdered in a Glasgow park, leaving him as the police's most convenient suspect. In a fog of intoxication and paranoia, Felix sets out to clear his name, enlisting the help of an ageing former Detective Inspector turned crime novelist (Josette Simon) and a chaotic friend (Jamie Michie). Their search for the truth becomes an exhilarating and frequently laugh-out-loud race through the murkier edges of contemporary Scotland, as events rapidly spiral out of control around him.

The series includes a stellar supporting cast including Jamie Michie, Shauna Macdonald, Josette Simon, Janine Harouni, Christopher Eccleston, Mark Bonnar, Shirley Henderson, Benedict Wong, Emun Elliott, Laurie Brett, Martin Quinn, Jordan Young, Lois Chimimba, Michael Moreland, Joy McAvoy, Hanna Stanbridge, Greg Hemphill, Robin Laing, Kate Donnely and George Robinson.

Meantime (6 x 60') is written by Frankie Boyle and Neil Webster. The series is produced by Happy Tramp North and Expectation in association with Sky Studios, directed by Jon S. Baird and produced by Eric Coulter. Executive producers; Frankie Boyle and Neil Webster for Happy Tramp North, Nerys Evans for Expectation, Alex Moody for Sky, James McAvoy, Jon S Baird and Eric Coulter.

Meantime will be available next year on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland.

This new series forms part of a bold line-up of Sky Originals and Exclusives coming to Sky and NOW screens in 2026 and beyond. From gripping dramas and films to big entertainment and compelling documentaries, Sky continues to champion distinctive storytelling alongside world-class talent - delivering the must-watch moments set to define the year ahead.

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